Here's a breakdown of where its legacy persists:
1. Direct Influence:
* Channel Islands: Jersey and Guernsey are the only places where a direct descendant of Norman French, known as Jersey French and Guernsey French, is still spoken by a significant number of people. They are considered separate languages, though highly influenced by English.
* Normandy, France: Although Standard French is the dominant language, Norman French dialects still persist in rural areas of Normandy, particularly in the Cotentin peninsula.
2. Indirect Influence:
* English: Norman French had a profound impact on the English language, contributing a vast vocabulary encompassing words related to law, government, food, and many other aspects of life. Words like "court," "justice," "beef," and "castle" are examples.
* Other Romance Languages: Norman French also influenced the development of other Romance languages like Occitan and Catalan, particularly in terms of vocabulary and grammar.
3. Cultural Legacy:
* Place Names: Norman French gave us many place names in England, Canada, and other parts of the world, such as "Normandy," "Essex," "Leicester," and many more.
* Literature and Art: The rich cultural heritage of the Norman period is evident in literature, music, and art, showcasing the influence of Norman French on these domains.
Therefore, although Norman French as a distinct language is no longer spoken, its legacy lives on in the vocabulary, grammar, and cultural heritage of various languages and regions, especially in the Channel Islands, Normandy, and the English-speaking world.